Wine Bottle Labels

Wine Bottle Labels - Art and so much more.

Our previous blog posts discussed the myriad details that have to be addressed in preparation for bottling. This discussion would not be complete without talking about the labels - the face of our brand.  A tremendous amount of thought goes into creating just the right design that reflects our brand and the way we feel about our wine and the little piece of earth from whence it hails.

For centuries, winemakers have been making these decisions. The history of the wine label goes back as far as the tomb of King Tutankhamen (d.1352 BC) where wine jars were discovered that had wine labels with enough details to meet some present day existing wine label laws.

Modern wine labeling laws are stringent and must be considered right along with the label's artwork and copy. New wine names are submitted to the TTB ( Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) for approval.  The TTB needs to verify that each label contains health messages, vintage, varietal, alcohol level, producer info and so forth before they can approve it.  This can typically take 1-3 mos.  If it’s not approved, the label has to be modified and resubmitted.  Once the label is approved, it can be sent for printing. For each successive vintage  re-approval is not necessary if you’re just changing the vintage. Since Prohibition was repealed in 1933, wine labeling laws have gone through many changes affecting what can, cannot and must be on all wine labels.

For the consumer the most important info on the label is probably winery name,  grape variety and place of origin.  A pretty image doesn't hurt. Have you ever purchased a wine just because you liked the label? Just for fun, have a look at these creative, innovative and just plain "different" wine labels.

Cheers!